The UCAS Application System
Applications for most Degree, HND or Dip.HE courses are made through UCAS. Students normally apply September/January, except for some Art/Design courses.
There are three ways of applying: on paper, through the electronic application system and online. The fee for each system is £15.00 or £5.00 for a single application.
Paper Application
Your school/college supply the form, instructions and acknowledgement card. After researching your choices, complete the form and hand it, with the fee and acknowledgement card, to the appropriate member of staff. A reference is written and sent to UCAS, who first return the acknowledgement card. After your form is processed you will receive a letter with a reference number. Keep it safe - you will need it later.
Electronic Application System (EAS)
This system lets you apply on a PC at your school, college, or even at home. EAS is not available on an individual basis; your tutor submits your application by Internet or floppy disc.
Online (Apply)
With this new, online system you can apply through the UCAS website. Your school/college first needs to sign up to use the service.
Which system you use will probably depend on your school/college. Currently, paper application remains the most popular method but there is growing use of the other systems. Applications through EAS and Apply can be processed more quickly and are less prone to mistakes as the computer does not accept incorrect course codes etc.
It is possible to use EAS or Apply for Art and Design Route B courses but if you have made an application in the same academic year you would have to apply for your new choices on paper - contact UCAS Enquiries.
When to Apply
You can apply from 1st September for up to six courses (four for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Science).
The closing date for applications to Cambridge, Oxford and courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Science is 15th October. For other choices (except some Art courses - see page 9) the initial closing date is 15th January. However, earlier application (i.e. September/October) is strongly recommended, especially for popular courses e.g. Primary Teaching, Physiotherapy. Before applying it is advisable to contact institutions to check availability of places and entry requirements.
If considering Oxford or Cambridge, you can telephone 01865 270 207 (Oxford) or 01223 333 308 (Cambridge) for a prospectus or advice. You are strongly advised to visit these institutions before applying.
Applications received between 16 January and 30 June may be considered if your chosen institutions have places. Applications arriving after 1 July go into Clearing.
After You Have Applied
Institutions send you their decisions via UCAS. Admissions tutors cannot now see your other choices until you have replied to offers. (Previously universities saw all your choices when you applied.)
You may receive a conditional offer based upon your predicted grades. This offer could be in terms of grades e.g. BCC, or points e.g. 260 points for AS/A2 and AVCE, or a Pass/Merit/Distinction for BTEC. (Sometimes a grade may be required in a specific subject or module.) The UCAS website has a UCAS Tariff Calculator, which helps you translate grades into points totals.
You could also receive an unconditional offer or a rejection. If you receive six rejections a new system, UCAS Extra, operates until the end of June and allows you a further choice. You may have to attend an interview or open day. Some courses e.g. Art related, expect to see a portfolio of your work at the interview.
You do not need to reply to any offers until you have heard from all your chosen institutions and attended any open days. You can hold a maximum of two offers, one firm, one as an insurance i.e. your first and second choices. UCAS will give you a date by which you must reply or risk losing your offers.
Confirmation of Offers
This happens for most students after exam results in August. Where you have met the conditions of your first choice it will automatically be confirmed by UCAS.
Where you do not meet the conditions of your firm choice, but do meet those of your insurance offer, you will go there. This means you should choose your insurance place carefully - be sure that you would be happy to accept it.
If you do not meet either offer you will be entered for Clearing.
The UCAS Applicant Enquiry Service can help you check how your applications are proceeding e.g. whether universities are making you an offer.
Clearing
Anyone not holding a place in August can apply through Clearing. This is where institutions advertise vacant places and applicants contact them direct. Clearing operates from mid August until the end of September, although it is worth contacting universities up until the start of term.
UCAS will automatically send you a Clearing Entry Form (CEF) plus instructions and a clearing number. It is a hectic time and it is easy to panic. Try to approach Clearing choices as carefully as you did your original application. Only apply for courses that you want.
Course vacancies are advertised in the national press, mainly The Independent, and on the UCAS website (www.ucas.ac.uk). A national helpline operates for the first two weeks - details are sent with your Clearing information. Advisers are available at Careers and Connexions Centres to help with your choices.
If you have queries about UCAS contact your tutor, Personal Adviser or telephone UCAS enquiries on: 01242 227 788, or 01242 223 707 for application materials.
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